The Japanese are well known for their hospitality, and one way that they show it is with the food they serve at izakaya bar. There are many unique rules and customs that make dining in Japan a unique experience.
You will find that when you visit Japan, you will be expected to follow some of these rules, which include not only eating in a certain manner, but also the type of foods you eat and how much you consume. So here we go!
1. Sushi Etiquette
The first rule about eating in Japan is that you should never pick up your sushi by its rice. This means that if you see someone take their sushi off the plate, you can just reach over and pull it off. If you want to remove the rice from your own plate, then you must use chopsticks or the side of your knife.
If you do this, then you will have to leave the table immediately and wash your hands thoroughly. In the U.S., this would be considered quite rude, but in Japan it’s just common courtesy.
When you order sushi, it is customary for you to ask your server what kind he recommends. It is important to note that he may recommend something different than you had in mind, just as long as you like it. You should always try new things, because there is no point in eating something that you don’t enjoy.
2. How Much Is Too Much?
One area where there is a lot of debate among foreigners living in Japan is whether or not you should actually fill yourself up at lunchtime. The answer really depends on who you ask.
In general, the Japanese believe that too much food at one sitting leads to indigestion, so they tend to eat very lightly during the day. If you eat enough to keep your energy level high, then you will be able to focus better throughout the rest of your day.
On the other hand, some people think that it is fine to overeat in Japan, because everyone eats until they are full. Others argue that it is more polite to finish everything on your plate, even if you feel that you could eat more later.
3. How to Eat Rice Balls/Chankonabe
One traditional dish that you will probably be served while you are staying in Japan is chankonabe (rice balls). Chankonabe are small balls made out of rice that are usually served with soy sauce and sometimes green onions. They can be enjoyed plain or dipped in the soy sauce.
You can eat them with your fingers, but if you are using chopsticks, it is recommended that you cut them before you put them in your mouth. This makes sense since you have to chew them longer, and cutting them beforehand will help you get through them faster.
Another rice dish that you might encounter while you are visiting Japan is rice crackers (shirataki), which are made from konjac and are commonly used to accompany sashimi.
These rice crackers are different from regular rice crackers because they are chewy, and they taste delicious when you dip them in soy sauce. It’s important to know that you should never eat these rice crackers raw. After all, they are made out of konjac, which is basically the same thing as tofu.
If you want to try shoyu ramen, then you should definitely give this noodle soup a shot. Ramen is often associated with Japan, but you can find it all over the world. Shoyu ramen is slightly different from normal ramen, because instead of broth, the noodles soak in a mixture of soy sauce, miso, and sugar.
This mixture gives the noodles a rich flavor and helps to make the noodles soft. Another interesting fact is that the noodles in shoyu ramen are always cooked to order. Most restaurants will cook each bowl individually, so you can request that they prepare it to suit your preference.
4. Drinking Water With Your Meal
You’ve been told to drink plenty of water before and after you eat, but what do you do with it while you’re eating? Some people say that drinking water with your meal is bad form, but others disagree. Either way, the Japanese generally stick to the rule.
However, if you are dining at a restaurant, then they will usually bring you a cup of tea with your meal. Many people consider this to be a good way to start their meal because it helps to settle their stomach before they begin eating. You can also add hot tea to iced tea, and vice versa.
If you aren’t sure about the temperature of your tea, then you can ask the waiter or waitress to check it for you. The most common tea that you will see in Japan is matcha, but you can also buy or brew green tea, black tea, or oolong tea.
It is important to remember that if you are going to a formal event, then you need to dress appropriately. In addition to wearing proper clothing, you will also need to wear shoes with heels. It isn’t acceptable to wear sneakers or flip-flops, and you should avoid sandals, unless you are attending an outdoor event.
